Difference between revisions of "37 Practices of a Bodhisattva"
(19 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:2707.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:2707.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | The fully awake, the [[Buddhas]], source of joy and well-being, | + | |
− | All come from integrating the noble Way. | + | |
− | Because integration depends on your knowing how to practice, | + | |
− | I will explain the practice of all bodhisattvas. | + | |
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | A Summary of How an [[Awakening]] [[Being]] Behaves | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | by [[Tog-me Zong-po]] ([[Thogs.med bzang.po]], 1245-1369) | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | [[Namo]] [[Lokesvaraya]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | You who see that [[experience]] has no coming or going, | ||
+ | Yet pour your [[energy]] solely into helping [[beings]], | ||
+ | My {{Wiki|excellent}} [[teachers]] and [[Lord]] All [[Seeing]], | ||
+ | I humbly and constantly {{Wiki|honor}} with my [[body]], [[speech]], and [[mind]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The fully awake, the [[Buddhas]], source of [[joy]] and well-being, | ||
+ | All come from integrating the [[noble]] Way. | ||
+ | Because {{Wiki|integration}} depends on your [[knowing]] how to practice, | ||
+ | I will explain the practice of all [[bodhisattvas]]. | ||
1 | 1 | ||
Right now, you have a good boat, fully equipped and available — hard to find. | Right now, you have a good boat, fully equipped and available — hard to find. | ||
To free others and you from the sea of [[Samsara]], | To free others and you from the sea of [[Samsara]], | ||
− | Day and night, fully alert and present, | + | Day and night, fully alert and {{Wiki|present}}, |
− | Study, reflect, and meditate — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Study, reflect, and [[meditate]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
2 | 2 | ||
− | Attraction to those close to you catches you in its currents; | + | [[Attraction]] to those close to you catches you in its currents; |
− | Aversion to those who oppose you burns inside; | + | [[Aversion]] to those who oppose you burns inside; |
− | Indifference that ignores what needs to be done is a black hole. | + | [[Indifference]] that ignores what needs to be done is a black hole. |
Leave your homeland — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Leave your homeland — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
3 | 3 | ||
− | Don’t engage disturbances and reactive emotions gradually fade away; | + | Don’t engage {{Wiki|disturbances}} and reactive [[emotions]] gradually fade away; |
− | Don’t engage distractions and spiritual practice naturally grows; | + | Don’t engage {{Wiki|distractions}} and [[spiritual]] practice naturally grows; |
− | Keep awareness clear and vivid and confidence in the way arises. | + | Keep [[awareness]] clear and vivid and [[confidence]] in the way arises. |
− | Rely on silence — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Rely on [[silence]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
[[File:280.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:280.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
4 | 4 | ||
You will separate from long-time friends and relatives; | You will separate from long-time friends and relatives; | ||
− | You will leave behind the wealth you worked to build up; | + | You will leave behind the [[wealth]] you worked [[to build]] up; |
− | The guest, your consciousness, will move from the inn, your body. | + | The guest, your [[consciousness]], will move from the inn, your [[body]]. |
− | Forget the conventional concerns — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Forget the [[Wikipedia:Convention (norm)|conventional]] concerns — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
5 | 5 | ||
With some friends, the [[Three poisons]] keep growing, | With some friends, the [[Three poisons]] keep growing, | ||
− | Study, reflection, and meditation weaken, | + | Study, {{Wiki|reflection}}, and [[meditation]] weaken, |
− | And loving kindness and compassion fall away. | + | And [[loving kindness]] and [[compassion]] fall away. |
Give up bad friends — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Give up bad friends — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
6 | 6 | ||
− | With some teachers, your shortcomings fade away and | + | With some [[teachers]], your shortcomings fade away and |
− | Abilities grow like the waxing moon. | + | {{Wiki|Abilities}} grow like the waxing {{Wiki|moon}}. |
− | Hold such teachers dear to you, | + | Hold such [[teachers]] dear to you, |
− | Dearer than your own body — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Dearer than your [[own]] [[body]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
7 | 7 | ||
− | Locked up in the prison of their own patterning | + | Locked up in the {{Wiki|prison}} of their [[own]] patterning |
− | Whom can ordinary gods protect? | + | Whom can ordinary [[gods]] {{Wiki|protect}}? |
Who can you count on for [[Refuge]]? | Who can you count on for [[Refuge]]? | ||
Go for [[Refuge in The Three Jewels]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Go for [[Refuge in The Three Jewels]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
8 | 8 | ||
− | The [[Suffering]] in the lower realms is really hard to endure. | + | The [[Suffering]] in the [[lower realms]] is really hard to endure. |
− | The Sage says it is the result of destructive actions. | + | The [[Sage]] says it is the result of {{Wiki|destructive}} [[actions]]. |
− | For that reason, even if your life is at risk, | + | For that [[reason]], even if your [[life]] is at [[risk]], |
− | Don’t engage in destructive actions — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Don’t engage in {{Wiki|destructive}} [[actions]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
9 | 9 | ||
− | The happiness of the three worlds disappears in a moment, | + | The [[happiness]] of the three [[worlds]] disappears in a [[moment]], |
Like a dewdrop on a blade of grass. | Like a dewdrop on a blade of grass. | ||
− | The highest level of freedom is one that never changes. | + | The [[highest]] level of freedom is one that never changes. |
− | Aim for this — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | [[Aim]] for this — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
[[File:3406.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:3406.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
10 | 10 | ||
− | If all your mothers, who love you, | + | If all your mothers, who [[love]] you, |
− | Suffer for time without beginning, how can you be happy? | + | [[Suffer]] for [[time]] without beginning, how can you be [[happy]]? |
− | To free limitless [[Sentient beings]], | + | To free [[limitless]] [[Sentient beings]], |
− | Give rise to awakening mind — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Give rise to [[awakening]] [[mind]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
11 | 11 | ||
− | All [[Suffering]] comes from wanting your own happiness. | + | All [[Suffering]] comes from wanting your [[own]] [[happiness]]. |
− | Complete awakening arises from the intention to help others. | + | Complete [[awakening]] arises from the {{Wiki|intention}} to help others. |
− | So, exchange completely your happiness | + | So, exchange completely your [[happiness]] |
For the [[Suffering]] of others — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | For the [[Suffering]] of others — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
12 | 12 | ||
Even if someone, driven by desperate want, | Even if someone, driven by desperate want, | ||
− | Steals, or makes someone else steal, everything you own, | + | Steals, or makes someone else steal, everything you [[own]], |
− | Dedicate to him your body, your wealth, and | + | Dedicate to him your [[body]], your [[wealth]], and |
All the good you’ve ever done or will do — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | All the good you’ve ever done or will do — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
13 | 13 | ||
− | Even if you have done nothing wrong at all | + | Even if you have done [[nothing]] wrong at all |
− | And someone still tries to take your head off, | + | And someone still tries to take your {{Wiki|head}} off, |
− | Spurred by compassion, | + | Spurred by [[compassion]], |
− | Take all his or her evil into you — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Take all his or her [[evil]] into you — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
14 | 14 | ||
− | Even if someone broadcasts to the whole universe | + | Even if someone broadcasts to the whole [[universe]] |
Slanderous and ugly rumors about you, | Slanderous and ugly rumors about you, | ||
− | In return, with an open and caring heart, | + | In return, with an open and caring [[heart]], |
− | Praise his or her abilities — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | [[Praise]] his or her {{Wiki|abilities}} — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
[[File:3N.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:3N.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
15 | 15 | ||
Even if someone humiliates you and denounces you | Even if someone humiliates you and denounces you | ||
− | In front of a crowd of people, | + | In front of a crowd of [[people]], |
− | Think of this person as your teacher | + | Think of this [[person]] as your [[teacher]] |
− | And humbly honor him — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | And humbly {{Wiki|honor}} him — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
16 | 16 | ||
− | Even if a person you have cared for as your own child | + | Even if a [[person]] you have cared for as your [[own]] child |
Treats you as his or her worst enemy, | Treats you as his or her worst enemy, | ||
− | Lavish him or her with loving attention | + | Lavish him or her with [[loving]] [[attention]] |
Like a mother caring for her ill child — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Like a mother caring for her ill child — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
Line 114: | Line 128: | ||
Even if your peers or subordinates, | Even if your peers or subordinates, | ||
Put you down to make themselves look better, | Put you down to make themselves look better, | ||
− | Treat them respectfully as you would your teacher: | + | Treat them respectfully as you would your [[teacher]]: |
Put them above you — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Put them above you — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
18 | 18 | ||
− | When you are down and out, held in contempt, | + | When you are down and out, held in [[contempt]], |
− | Desperately ill, and emotionally crazed, | + | Desperately ill, and [[emotionally]] crazed, |
− | Don’t lose heart. Take into you | + | Don’t lose [[heart]]. Take into you |
− | The [[Suffering]] and negativity of all beings — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | The [[Suffering]] and negativity of all [[beings]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
19 | 19 | ||
Even when you are famous, honored by all, | Even when you are famous, honored by all, | ||
− | And as rich as the god of wealth himself, | + | And as rich as the [[god of wealth]] himself, |
− | Don’t be pompous. Know that the magnificence of existence | + | Don’t be pompous. [[Know]] that the magnificence of [[existence]] |
− | Has no substance — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Has no [[substance]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
20 | 20 | ||
− | If you don’t subdue the opponent inside, your own anger, | + | If you don’t subdue the opponent inside, your [[own]] [[anger]], |
Although you subdue opponents outside, they just keep coming. | Although you subdue opponents outside, they just keep coming. | ||
− | Muster the forces of loving kindness and compassion | + | Muster the forces of [[loving kindness]] and [[compassion]] |
− | And subdue your own mind — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | And subdue your [[own]] [[mind]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
21 | 21 | ||
− | Sensual pleasures are like salty water: | + | {{Wiki|Sensual}} [[pleasures]] are like [[salty]] [[water]]: |
The deeper you drink, the thirstier you become. | The deeper you drink, the thirstier you become. | ||
− | Any object that you attach to, | + | Any [[object]] that you attach to, |
Right away, let it go — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Right away, let it go — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
22 | 22 | ||
− | Whatever arises in experience is your own mind. | + | Whatever arises in [[experience]] is your [[own]] [[mind]]. |
− | Mind itself is free of any conceptual limitations. | + | [[Mind]] itself is free of any {{Wiki|conceptual}} limitations. |
− | Know that and don’t generate | + | [[Know]] that and don’t generate |
Subject-object fixations — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Subject-object fixations — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
23 | 23 | ||
When you come across something you enjoy, | When you come across something you enjoy, | ||
− | Though beautiful to experience, like a summer rainbow, | + | Though [[beautiful]] to [[experience]], like a summer [[rainbow]], |
Don’t take it as real. | Don’t take it as real. | ||
− | Let go of attachment — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Let go of [[attachment]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
24 | 24 | ||
− | All forms of [[Suffering]] are like dreaming that your child has died. | + | All [[forms]] of [[Suffering]] are like [[dreaming]] that your child has [[died]]. |
− | Taking confusion as real wears you out. | + | Taking {{Wiki|confusion}} as real wears you out. |
When you run into misfortune, | When you run into misfortune, | ||
− | Look at it as confusion — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Look at it as {{Wiki|confusion}} — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
25 | 25 | ||
− | If those who want to be awake have to give even their bodies, | + | If those who want to be awake have to give even their [[bodies]], |
− | What need is there to talk about things that you simply own. | + | What need is there to talk about things that you simply [[own]]. |
Be generous, not looking | Be generous, not looking | ||
For any return or result — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | For any return or result — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
26 | 26 | ||
− | If you can’t tend to your needs because you have no moral discipline, | + | If you can’t tend to your needs because you have no [[moral]] [[discipline]], |
− | Then intending to take care of the needs of others is simply a joke. | + | Then intending to take [[care]] of the needs of others is simply a joke. |
− | Observe ethical behavior without concern | + | Observe [[ethical]] {{Wiki|behavior}} without [[concern]] |
− | For conventional existence — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | For [[Wikipedia:Convention (norm)|conventional]] [[existence]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
27 | 27 | ||
− | For bodhisattvas who want to be rich in virtue | + | For [[bodhisattvas]] who want to be rich in [[virtue]] |
− | A person who hurts you is a precious treasure. | + | A [[person]] who hurts you is a [[precious]] [[treasure]]. |
− | Cultivate patience for everyone, | + | Cultivate [[patience]] for everyone, |
− | Completely free of irritation or resentment — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | Completely free of [[irritation]] or [[resentment]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
28 | 28 | ||
− | Listeners and solitary [[Buddhas]], working only for their own welfare, | + | [[Listeners]] and {{Wiki|solitary}} [[Buddhas]], working only for their [[own]] {{Wiki|welfare}}, |
− | Are seen to practice as if their heads were on fire. | + | Are seen to practice as if their heads were on [[fire]]. |
− | To help all beings, pour your energy into practice: | + | To help all [[beings]], pour your [[energy]] into practice: |
− | It’s the source of all abilities — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | It’s the source of all {{Wiki|abilities}} — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
29 | 29 | ||
− | Understanding that emotional reactions are dismantled | + | [[Understanding]] that [[emotional]] reactions are dismantled |
− | By insight supported by stillness, | + | By [[insight]] supported by stillness, |
− | Cultivate meditative stability that passes right by | + | Cultivate [[meditative]] stability that passes right by |
− | The four formless states — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | The four [[formless states]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
30 | 30 | ||
− | Without [[Wisdom]], the five perfections | + | Without [[Wisdom]], the five [[perfections]] |
− | Are not enough to attain full awakening. | + | Are not enough to attain full [[awakening]]. |
Cultivate [[Wisdom]], endowed with skill | Cultivate [[Wisdom]], endowed with skill | ||
And free from the three domains — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | And free from the three domains — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
31 | 31 | ||
− | If you don’t go into your own confusion, | + | If you don’t go into your [[own]] {{Wiki|confusion}}, |
− | You may just be a materialist in practitioner’s clothing. | + | You may just be a {{Wiki|materialist}} in practitioner’s clothing. |
− | Constantly go into your own confusion | + | Constantly go into your [[own]] {{Wiki|confusion}} |
And put an end to it — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | And put an end to it — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
32 | 32 | ||
− | You undermine yourself when you react emotionally and | + | You undermine yourself when you react [[emotionally]] and |
− | Grumble about the imperfections of other bodhisattvas. | + | Grumble about the imperfections of other [[bodhisattvas]]. |
Of the imperfections of those who have entered the Great Way, | Of the imperfections of those who have entered the Great Way, | ||
Don’t say anything — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Don’t say anything — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
33 | 33 | ||
− | When you squabble with others about status and rewards, | + | When you squabble with others about {{Wiki|status}} and rewards, |
− | You undermine learning, reflection, and meditation. | + | You undermine {{Wiki|learning}}, {{Wiki|reflection}}, and [[meditation]]. |
− | Let go of any investment in your family circle | + | Let go of any investment in your [[family]] circle |
Or the circle of those who support you — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Or the circle of those who support you — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
34 | 34 | ||
− | Abusive language upsets others | + | Abusive [[language]] upsets others |
− | And undermines the ethics of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | And undermines the [[ethics]] of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
− | So, don’t upset people or | + | So, don’t upset [[people]] or |
Speak abusively — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | Speak abusively — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
35 | 35 | ||
− | When reactive emotions acquire momentum, it’s hard to make remedies work. | + | When reactive [[emotions]] acquire momentum, it’s hard to make remedies work. |
− | A person in attention wields remedies like weapons, | + | A [[person]] in [[attention]] wields remedies like [[weapons]], |
− | Crushing reactive emotions such as craving | + | Crushing reactive [[emotions]] such as [[craving]] |
As soon as they arise — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | As soon as they arise — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
36 | 36 | ||
In short, in everything you do, | In short, in everything you do, | ||
− | Know what is happening in your mind. | + | [[Know]] what is happening in your [[mind]]. |
− | By being constantly present and aware | + | By [[being]] constantly {{Wiki|present}} and {{Wiki|aware}} |
You bring about what helps others — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | You bring about what helps others — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | ||
37 | 37 | ||
− | To dispel the [[Suffering]] of beings without limit, | + | To dispel the [[Suffering]] of [[beings]] without limit, |
− | With [[Wisdom]] freed from the three spheres | + | With [[Wisdom]] freed from the [[three spheres]] |
− | Direct all the goodness generated by these efforts | + | Direct all the [[goodness]] generated by these efforts |
− | To awakening — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. | + | To [[awakening]] — this is the practice of a [[Bodhisattva]]. |
− | Following the teachings of the holy ones | + | Following the teachings of the {{Wiki|holy}} ones |
− | On what is written in the sutras, tantras, and commentaries, | + | On what is written in the [[sutras]], [[tantras]], and commentaries, |
I set out these thirty-seven practices of a [[Bodhisattva]] | I set out these thirty-seven practices of a [[Bodhisattva]] | ||
− | For those who intend to train in this path. | + | For those who intend to train in this [[path]]. |
− | Because I have limited intelligence and little education, | + | Because I have limited {{Wiki|intelligence}} and little [[education]], |
− | These verses are not the kind of poetry that delights the learned. | + | These verses are not the kind of [[poetry]] that delights the learned. |
− | But because I relied on the teachings of the sutras and the revered | + | But because I relied on the teachings of the [[sutras]] and the revered |
− | I am confident that The Practices of a [[Bodhisattva]] is sound. | + | I am confident that The Practices of a [[Bodhisattva]] is [[sound]]. |
− | However, because it’s hard for a person with limited intelligence like me | + | However, because it’s hard for a [[person]] with limited {{Wiki|intelligence}} like me |
− | To fathom the depths of the great waves of the activity of bodhisattvas, | + | To fathom the depths of the great waves of the [[activity]] of [[bodhisattvas]], |
I ask the revered to tolerate | I ask the revered to tolerate | ||
Any mistakes — contradictions, non sequiturs, and such. | Any mistakes — contradictions, non sequiturs, and such. | ||
− | From the goodness of this work, may all beings, | + | From the [[goodness]] of this work, may all [[beings]], |
− | Through the supreme mind that is awake to what is ultimately and apparently true, | + | Through the supreme [[mind]] that [[is awake]] to what is ultimately and apparently true, |
− | Not rest in any limiting position — existence or peace: | + | Not rest in any limiting position — [[existence]] or [[peace]]: |
− | May they be like Lord All Seeing. | + | May they be like [[Lord]] All [[Seeing]]. |
− | Tog-me, the [[Monk]], a teacher of scripture and logic, composed this text in a cave near the town of Ngülchu Rinchen for his own and others’ | + | [[Tog-me]], the [[Monk]], a [[teacher]] of [[scripture]] and [[logic]], composed this text in a {{Wiki|cave}} near the town of [[Ngülchu Rinchen]] for his [[own]] and others’ [[benefit]]. |
− | |||
− | [[ | ||
− | |||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
+ | This translation by [[Ken McLeod]] is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 [[United States]] License<br/> | ||
[http://www.unfetteredmind.org/37-practices-of-a-bodhisattva/3 www.unfetteredmind.org] | [http://www.unfetteredmind.org/37-practices-of-a-bodhisattva/3 www.unfetteredmind.org] | ||
+ | [[Category:37 Practices of the Bodhisattva]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Buddhist Views]]{{BuddhismbyNumber}} |
Latest revision as of 23:41, 16 January 2024
A Summary of How an Awakening Being Behaves
by Tog-me Zong-po (Thogs.med bzang.po, 1245-1369)
You who see that experience has no coming or going, Yet pour your energy solely into helping beings, My excellent teachers and Lord All Seeing, I humbly and constantly honor with my body, speech, and mind.
The fully awake, the Buddhas, source of joy and well-being, All come from integrating the noble Way. Because integration depends on your knowing how to practice, I will explain the practice of all bodhisattvas.
1 Right now, you have a good boat, fully equipped and available — hard to find. To free others and you from the sea of Samsara, Day and night, fully alert and present, Study, reflect, and meditate — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
2 Attraction to those close to you catches you in its currents; Aversion to those who oppose you burns inside; Indifference that ignores what needs to be done is a black hole. Leave your homeland — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
3 Don’t engage disturbances and reactive emotions gradually fade away; Don’t engage distractions and spiritual practice naturally grows; Keep awareness clear and vivid and confidence in the way arises. Rely on silence — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
4 You will separate from long-time friends and relatives; You will leave behind the wealth you worked to build up; The guest, your consciousness, will move from the inn, your body. Forget the conventional concerns — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
5 With some friends, the Three poisons keep growing, Study, reflection, and meditation weaken, And loving kindness and compassion fall away. Give up bad friends — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
6 With some teachers, your shortcomings fade away and Abilities grow like the waxing moon. Hold such teachers dear to you, Dearer than your own body — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
7 Locked up in the prison of their own patterning Whom can ordinary gods protect? Who can you count on for Refuge? Go for Refuge in The Three Jewels — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
8 The Suffering in the lower realms is really hard to endure. The Sage says it is the result of destructive actions. For that reason, even if your life is at risk, Don’t engage in destructive actions — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
9 The happiness of the three worlds disappears in a moment, Like a dewdrop on a blade of grass. The highest level of freedom is one that never changes. Aim for this — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
10 If all your mothers, who love you, Suffer for time without beginning, how can you be happy? To free limitless Sentient beings, Give rise to awakening mind — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
11 All Suffering comes from wanting your own happiness. Complete awakening arises from the intention to help others. So, exchange completely your happiness For the Suffering of others — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
12 Even if someone, driven by desperate want, Steals, or makes someone else steal, everything you own, Dedicate to him your body, your wealth, and All the good you’ve ever done or will do — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
13 Even if you have done nothing wrong at all And someone still tries to take your head off, Spurred by compassion, Take all his or her evil into you — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
14 Even if someone broadcasts to the whole universe Slanderous and ugly rumors about you, In return, with an open and caring heart, Praise his or her abilities — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
15 Even if someone humiliates you and denounces you In front of a crowd of people, Think of this person as your teacher And humbly honor him — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
16 Even if a person you have cared for as your own child Treats you as his or her worst enemy, Lavish him or her with loving attention Like a mother caring for her ill child — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
17 Even if your peers or subordinates, Put you down to make themselves look better, Treat them respectfully as you would your teacher: Put them above you — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
18 When you are down and out, held in contempt, Desperately ill, and emotionally crazed, Don’t lose heart. Take into you The Suffering and negativity of all beings — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
19 Even when you are famous, honored by all, And as rich as the god of wealth himself, Don’t be pompous. Know that the magnificence of existence Has no substance — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
20 If you don’t subdue the opponent inside, your own anger, Although you subdue opponents outside, they just keep coming. Muster the forces of loving kindness and compassion And subdue your own mind — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
21 Sensual pleasures are like salty water: The deeper you drink, the thirstier you become. Any object that you attach to, Right away, let it go — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
22 Whatever arises in experience is your own mind. Mind itself is free of any conceptual limitations. Know that and don’t generate Subject-object fixations — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
23 When you come across something you enjoy, Though beautiful to experience, like a summer rainbow, Don’t take it as real. Let go of attachment — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
24 All forms of Suffering are like dreaming that your child has died. Taking confusion as real wears you out. When you run into misfortune, Look at it as confusion — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
25 If those who want to be awake have to give even their bodies, What need is there to talk about things that you simply own. Be generous, not looking For any return or result — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
26 If you can’t tend to your needs because you have no moral discipline, Then intending to take care of the needs of others is simply a joke. Observe ethical behavior without concern For conventional existence — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
27 For bodhisattvas who want to be rich in virtue A person who hurts you is a precious treasure. Cultivate patience for everyone, Completely free of irritation or resentment — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
28 Listeners and solitary Buddhas, working only for their own welfare, Are seen to practice as if their heads were on fire. To help all beings, pour your energy into practice: It’s the source of all abilities — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
29 Understanding that emotional reactions are dismantled By insight supported by stillness, Cultivate meditative stability that passes right by The four formless states — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
30 Without Wisdom, the five perfections Are not enough to attain full awakening. Cultivate Wisdom, endowed with skill And free from the three domains — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
31 If you don’t go into your own confusion, You may just be a materialist in practitioner’s clothing. Constantly go into your own confusion And put an end to it — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
32 You undermine yourself when you react emotionally and Grumble about the imperfections of other bodhisattvas. Of the imperfections of those who have entered the Great Way, Don’t say anything — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
33 When you squabble with others about status and rewards, You undermine learning, reflection, and meditation. Let go of any investment in your family circle Or the circle of those who support you — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
34 Abusive language upsets others And undermines the ethics of a Bodhisattva. So, don’t upset people or Speak abusively — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
35 When reactive emotions acquire momentum, it’s hard to make remedies work. A person in attention wields remedies like weapons, Crushing reactive emotions such as craving As soon as they arise — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
36 In short, in everything you do, Know what is happening in your mind. By being constantly present and aware You bring about what helps others — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
37 To dispel the Suffering of beings without limit, With Wisdom freed from the three spheres Direct all the goodness generated by these efforts To awakening — this is the practice of a Bodhisattva.
Following the teachings of the holy ones On what is written in the sutras, tantras, and commentaries, I set out these thirty-seven practices of a Bodhisattva For those who intend to train in this path.
Because I have limited intelligence and little education, These verses are not the kind of poetry that delights the learned. But because I relied on the teachings of the sutras and the revered I am confident that The Practices of a Bodhisattva is sound.
However, because it’s hard for a person with limited intelligence like me To fathom the depths of the great waves of the activity of bodhisattvas, I ask the revered to tolerate Any mistakes — contradictions, non sequiturs, and such.
From the goodness of this work, may all beings, Through the supreme mind that is awake to what is ultimately and apparently true, Not rest in any limiting position — existence or peace: May they be like Lord All Seeing.
Tog-me, the Monk, a teacher of scripture and logic, composed this text in a cave near the town of Ngülchu Rinchen for his own and others’ benefit.
Source
This translation by Ken McLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License
www.unfetteredmind.org